More than 300 new clinical workers joined Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS this year, figures reveal.

However, the chairman of the British Medical Association said the 'minor increases' in staff numbers does not go 'anywhere near far enough' to fill the gaps within the NHS.

NHS digital figures show that 1,872 professionally qualified clinical staff were working at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust in January – 314 more than in January 2020.

There are now a total of 1,156 nurses and health visitors working for the trust – 164 more than last year and also 136 doctors – 28 more than in 2020.

The total number of clinical workers increased from 1,558 in January 2020, to 1,872 at the start of this year.

Other clinical workers include midwives, ambulance and technical staff. The numbers refer to full time posts, rather than individual staff members.

Dr Helena McKeown, chairman of the British Medical Association, said: "Despite there being some minor increases in staff numbers, this does not go anywhere near far enough to fill the known, as well as unknown, vacancy gaps that currently exist within the NHS. We are in the midst of a serious staffing crisis.

“Given the demands of Covid and the enormous backlog of care the NHS faces – the largest ever – with patient demand outstripping staffing levels, the situation has become even more acute."

Dr McKeown added that a survey by the BMA revealed thousands of doctors are already planning to leave the NHS, as they are struggling to cope with demands.

The union wants the Government to implement measures to retain staff, as well as expanding the medical workforce.

"The BMA believes that the number of medical school places must double over the next decade to ensure workforce supply can match growing patient demand,” said Dr McKeown.

An NHS spokesman said the excellence of existing staff had inspired a 35 percent increase in nursing degree applications as well as the increase in number of nurses, doctors and healthcare support workers.

They said: “NHS staff have faced a year like no other and their response to the pandemic, including caring for 400,000 people with Covid in hospital as well as keeping other routine services going for patients, has been extraordinary.

“The NHS continues to increase support for staff including rapid access to mental health services, and more opportunities for flexible working."